“Pursuing the Net Zero Now certification has opened doors with clients, and has helped to increase our competitive advantage by winning new business and enhance our reputation being an organisation that has a passion and commitment to sustainability.” - Claire McFarlane, Head of Business Compliance at Clearview Intelligence.
Sustainability at the Core of Smart Mobility Solutions
Clearview Intelligence, a leader in smart mobility and intelligent transport systems, has long integrated sustainability into its operations and product development. From pioneering traffic management solutions to adopting environmentally friendly practices, Clearview is committed to making places safer, greener, and smarter. As part of their sustainability goals, Clearview has partnered with Net Zero Now, achieving the “On the Road to Net Zero” certification. We spoke with Claire McFarlane, Head of Business Compliance, to discuss the company’s sustainability strategies, their journey to Net Zero, and the impact of these initiatives on clients, staff, and the broader community.
Insights from Clearview’s Journey to Net Zero
Can you describe Clearview Intelligence's mission in smart mobility and how sustainability is integrated into your solutions?
Clearview Intelligence has always been a purposeful business. Having invented the world's first automatic traffic counter in the 1970s, our company was born out of a desire to 'make roads safer and more intelligent.' Since then, we have evolved considerably, responding to our client's needs by continuously improving and innovating our wide range of products, services and business activities. Indeed, we have garnered a strong reputation within the Intelligence Transport Systems (ITS) industry since its inception and continue to be a key player.
Today, we work to the broader purpose of 'making places, safer, greener, smarter.' This is ultimately the reason for our existence, by providing a range of data and technology solutions to local authorities, transport authorities and transport operators among others. 'How’ we do it is through our range of software and hardware products, many of which we design, supply, install and maintain ourselves. From a sustainability perspective, our flagship product is undoubtedly our SolarLite Road Studs.
From an operational perspective, we have long considered the effect that climate change will have on our business and what we can do to proactively adjust and respond. Like many businesses, we introduced a range of initiatives to reduce our impact on the environment, improving the health and wellbeing of our people, and making a positive contribution to the communities that we serve. Whilst we are proud of our good intentions and the impact we have had so far, there's so much more that we want to do.
What inspired your decision to pursue Net Zero Now certification, “On The Road to Net Zero”, and how does this align with your sustainability goals?
Being an organisation that has a strong portfolio of sustainable products and solutions, it was the natural next step for us to compliment this with pursuing the ‘On The Road To Net Zero’ certification. As an SME, it isn’t a legal requirement to report on our carbon emissions but when this becomes a requirement for SME’s in the future, we will be in a very strong position to achieve this quickly. Working in the highways and transport sector, there are many environmental legal requirements we must adhere to. Creating a sustainability strategy and understanding how we can reduce our carbon footprint positively aligns with our existing environmental objectives.
From a business perspective, pursuing the Net Zero Now certification has opened doors with clients, and has helped to increase our competitive advantage by winning new business and enhance our reputation being an organisation that has a passion and commitment to sustainability.
At what stage are you in the Net Zero Now certification process, and what are the key milestones you have achieved so far?
Clearview Intelligence have recently calculated our carbon footprint for the 2nd year. We now have a calculation that we can compare to our baseline year which will help us to see what action we need to take to meet our targets. In the past two years, Clearview Intelligence have switched four of our field service vehicles from petrol and diesel to hybrid vehicles. Another achievement for Clearview is deliveries are now shipped in boxes closed and sealed using Clearview branded 120micron Kraft paper tape, which has replaced PVC non-recyclable tape.
How do Clearview Intelligence's safety and quality certifications support your Net Zero strategies?
Clearview Intelligence hold quality, health and safety and environmental ISO certifications that have huge support of our Net Zero strategy. Our integrated management systems ensure we focus on the quality processes, the importance of safety and of course the environment during the development of our products. Our research, development and product teams have a heavy focus on sustainability when creating new products that align with both the environmental strategies of our Clients and our own strategy.
Can you share specific sustainability initiatives that have significantly reduced your environmental impact?
Clearview Intelligence have developed our Solarlite Click Stud that is either in a fixed housing or fixed on the surface that would only require the replacement of the stud at the end of life, rather than further coring and civils works required.
The sustainable benefits of the Solarlite Click Studs:
- 100% solar powered, significant reducing carbon emissions.
- 50 Solarlite flush studs installed in one night shift, compared with 50 Solarlite click studs that can be installed in 45 minutes, with the ability of our partner WJ Group’s new milling machine designed for the installation. Manual labour replaced with an automated installation.
- The removal of civils work on the network and a reduced number of staff required for the installation.
- Longer lifespan than reflective studs.
- When the stud requires being replaced, this can take place in 10 seconds.
- Removes the requirements to core replacement studs.
What challenges have you faced in your journey towards Net Zero, and what successes can you share?
Scope 1 and 2 emissions, especially office utility usage and site vehicles are one challenge we face. Our two offices are in shared serviced buildings, and therefore require the influence of us and the other occupants for positive sustainable changes to be implemented, for example shifting to 100% renewable energy, upgrading all lighting to LED bulbs and motion sensor lighting.
Clearview Intelligence has also explored replacing our fleet site vehicles with electric vehicles. However, due to insufficient infrastructure in the UK to support our business operations, efficiently we have opted for hybrid vehicles initially.
Clearview Intelligence have works with two manufacturing organisations to produce our products and must actively encourage them to adopt positive sustainable practices. Influencing the supply chain to start their sustainability journey can be challenging, especially for SME’s that are not legally required to report on their environmental footprint.
What message would Clearview convey to other companies contemplating the Net Zero journey?
Net Zero Now have provided us with invaluable expert support on our sustainability journey. For organisations, especially other SME’s, contemplating joining the Net Zero journey, don’t hesitate. The value it will provide to all areas of your business will set you on an inspiring and rewarding journey that will make you feel even the smallest change will be positively impacting the environment and climate change. For something to change, everyone has to change.
Paving the Way for a Greener Future
Clearview Intelligence is a shining example of how businesses in the smart mobility sector can embrace sustainability and make meaningful progress toward Net Zero. From product innovation to reducing carbon emissions, Clearview has shown that even small changes can have a significant impact.
If you’re ready to start your own Net Zero journey, the team at Net Zero Now is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn how we can help you take the first step toward a greener future.
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